Republibot Sends Sci-Fi News to the Right

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Republibot Sends Sci-Fi News to the Right

A new sci-fi news website is growing as a resource for conservatives who feel the rest of the pop culture world is in a political galaxy far, far away from them.

Republibot describes itself as "The science fiction site for people who aren't drooling knee-jerk liberals." At first glance, the whole idea seems a little like political overkill. Then again, in a culture where Dick Cheney is often described as Darth Vader, some folks on the right were bound to get upset.

According to the site's mission statement: "It is our opinion that most of the sites out there today are run by lockstep liberals who agree with each other as a matter of course, but who never question their beliefs and who are extremely displeased when other people question their beliefs." The site's organizers look to point out "science fiction that supports conservative values" and "potential fallacies in the world views of non-conservative sci-fi."

It's a touchy subject for many fans because sci-fi generally leans toward the left. Star Trek used its airtime to criticize the war in Vietnam, while Doctor Who is an anti-authoritarian pacifist. Beyond that, there are endless examples of socialist themes in literary science fiction. For better or worse, the very nature of looking to the future and exploring unknown possibilities seems to rub traditional principles the wrong way.

That said, a review of the site reveals content generally similar to any other fan-run sci-fi fandom blog. There's basic coverage of multiple big-name franchises and reviews of classic sci-fi from ages passed. When commentators pop up, they don't seem particularly Ann Coulter-ish.

You might wish that sci-fi and fantasy could somehow rise above pedestrian politics of the current day, but these days – with people as polarized as ever – it seems even outer space and distant times are touched by endless, exhausting debates.